NICK Riding of Rossendale Triathlon Club, took second place in the Bolton Blast Biathlon at Turton Leisure Centre.

Nick was third fastest in the 600m pool swim and second in the 10.5km run, returning a combined time of 47.04.

In the men's race Steve Rimmer, who had travelled from Merseyside, exited the water first in 7mins 57secs, followed three seconds later by Riding who overhauled him on the run and was competing in his first race after a seven-month lay-off through injury.

Natalie Farnworth from Darwen Masters - a former Blackburn Harrier - came home in 20th spot, the first lady in 57.44.

Meanwhile, Darren Flatley of Horwich RMI, who had lost ground on the swim, ran impressively to win in a combined time of 45mins 42secs - only five seconds outside his own course record.

Chorley Harriers Jim Bolland and Malcolm Christie competed as a team with Jim swimming and Malcolm running.

They won the veteran team class with sixth place overall in 51.20.

Other local results included: 45 Stuart Rose (Blackburn Harriers) 1:08.24; 47 Kath Medd (Darwen Masters) 1:10.43; 48 Barbara Hoyle (Darwen Masters) 1:12.50; 52 Barbara Morton and Jean Thompson (Darwen Masters) 1:27.37.

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